Tunstall also reflected on the personal significance of the project, acknowledging the challenges that come with performing the score eight times a week
KT Tunstall believes that technology can revolutionize the music industry, especially in live performances. The 49-year-old singer, known for her hit song Suddenly I See, has collaborated with lyricist Glenn Slater to create the score for Clueless: The Musical, which is based on the beloved 1990s film starring Alicia Silverstone. The show, now playing at London’s Trafalgar Theatre, incorporates cutting-edge electronic drum kits to blend a variety of musical genres, showcasing Tunstall’s innovative approach to theatre music.
In an interview with The Sun, Tunstall explained the role of technology in the production, stating, “We’re actually really pioneering on this show by using an electronic drum kit with 24 different sounding drum kits. You can go straight from a Green Day-inspired song to an NSYNC one – and it means the band is chameleonic.”
She further emphasized how the versatility of the drum kits helps capture the spirit of the musical, allowing the band to seamlessly switch between genres. “Technology can be an amazing thing, particularly with the kind of kit that we are using for this show,” she added.
Tunstall also reflected on the personal significance of the project, acknowledging the challenges that come with performing the score eight times a week. “I was aware, as a musician, that this band will play eight times a week for months on end,” she said. “It’s a really positive thing for them to be challenged. It’s just hours of bangers from different genres.” The show features a diverse range of musical influences, from Janet Jackson to Nirvana, and Supergrass, keeping both performers and audiences on their toes.
This milestone moment in Tunstall’s career holds even greater significance as she celebrates two major anniversaries: the 20th anniversary of her debut album Eye to the Telescope and her 50th birthday. “It’s an iconic era for me,” she noted, reflecting on how her journey has come full circle, blending past achievements with exciting new ventures in music and theatre.
For Tunstall, Clueless: The Musical represents both a career highlight and a unique creative opportunity to push the boundaries of technology and sound in live performances.
